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2021 Honda Range Review
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Honda has come through with one of the biggest model announcements of 2021 by introducing an all-new CRF450R, which was accompanied by the release of the CRF250R and CRF450RL.
2021 Honda CRF450R:
When Team HRC's Tim Gajser and Mitch Evans (our very own MXstore ambassador!) rolled out on prototype CRF450RWs at the beginning of the MXGP season, we all anticipated a new model to be introduced for 2021 - and it's finally here!
When we say the 2021 CRF450R dirt bike is all-new, we mean there's not much of the new bike that resembles the old bike - Honda has gone above and beyond in overhauling its premier class contender for this new generation platform.
The updated motocross model comes with brand-new bodywork, and Honda has really outdone themselves with a really aggressive design. Plus, they've reverted to a single exhaust system design after becoming renowned for their dual exhaust systems.
The new bodywork has been designed to reduce weight and ultimately slim down the bike - the new Honda is 1.3kg lighter than the 2020 model, which is a nice shaving riders will appreciate. The slimmed-down body comes at the rear end, where Honda was able to reduce the width of the bike at side number plates by a total of 70mm, while a new header pipe design means it stays within the perimeter of the bike, rather than extruding it.
Another cool factor on the new bodywork is that it's secured to the bike by just eight bolts on each side, rather than 12 as seen on the previous generation bike.
The engine has also undergone some work for 2021 with an all-new cylinder head to improve bottom to midrange power. There are a number of internal changes on the new cylinder head, however the main difference is that the engine exhaust port has been centralised, ovalised and straightened, providing improved exhaust efficiency and revised torque characteristics for a smoother delivery that continues into the high rpm range.
To complement the engine and exhaust updates, Honda has also redesigned the air intake and air boot. The new air boot is dramatically larger for greater torque in the low rev range, plus the airbox can now be accessed by removing a single side-panel bolt - which is going to make cleaning the airbox and replacing air filters so much easier!
Some of the biggest changes on the 2021 Honda CRF450R involve the chassis and suspension package. The frame's geometry has completely changed for 2021 to fit within Honda's theme of 'Razor Sharp Cornering', while the subframe has been modified for a weight reduction and the swingarm has been updated to suit the frame changes, as well providing more traction at the rear wheel.
The Showa spring fork also has undergone an update with the stroke being extended by 5mm, while the fork lugs and triple clamps have also been redesigned. The Showa shock has had its dial switched to left side along with a lightweight steel spring. The suspension settings have also been updated to accommodate the chassis.
The finishing touches to the new-look Honda are a hydraulic clutch and newly-designed cockpit with rerouted throttle cable and new mapping and traction control switches. The Engine Mode Select Button and Honda Selectable Torque Control also offer three modes each.
The 2021 Honda CRF450R is now available for pre-order, with the first shipment due for delivery this September.
2021 Honda CRF250R:
The bike that was piloted by Geico Honda's Chase Sexton on his way to the 2020 Monster Energy AMA Supercross 250SX East title, the CRF250R remains unchanged for 2021.
2021 Honda CRF450L:
The Honda CRF450L is also unchanged for the year model 2021.
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